VPT is powering the world’s most advanced military and aerospace programs.

Following are just a few of the programs currently relying on VPT:

SpaceX Dragon Capsule Makes Historic Repeated ISS Delivery

Credit: NASA

June 8, 2017 – Earlier this week, a reusable SpaceX Dragon capsule made history by becoming the first commercially built cargo ship to make a repeated delivery to the International Space Station. The capsule was launched by a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 3rd that landed safely 10 minutes after launch.

On June 5th, the Dragon cargo ship successfully arrived at the space station containing 6,000 lbs. of supplies including essentials like food and water for the crew. Additionally, live mice and fruit flies were delivered for the study of a new osteoporosis drug, as well as scientific studies of how spaceflight affects cardiovascular systems. The cargo ship also delivered scientific equipment including a new earth imaging platform, a new Roll-Out Solar Array panel, and instrumentation to study neutron stars.

This marks SpaceX’s 11th resupply mission under their commercial contract with NASA. Notably, SpaceX used this same Dragon capsule for their fourth cargo mission. VPT is proud to have parts on both the Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket, and congratulates SpaceX on this historic mission which further advances the efforts to decrease the cost of space missions. More information can be found at Space.com.

Blue Origin Successful Crew Capsule Escape Test

Credit: NASA

October 5, 2016 – Blue Origin today launched its New Shepard launch vehicle with the intention of purposefully causing a booster failure to trigger the release of the crew capsule portion of the space vehicle.

The New Shepard launch vehicle is a reusable rocket, which had previously achieved four successful space flight and return missions. With Blue Origin’s intent to provide commercial space tourism, this was a critical method for testing the crew capsule safety abort process in preparation for an actual unplanned launch emergency.

In the case of an emergency or failure with the booster, the escape system triggers the detachment of the crew capsule. The crew capsule has its own rocket engine which fires to propel the capsule away from the rocket. Then, parachutes deploy for the descent to Earth. The test today experienced a successful departure from the booster and a crew capsule landing at 16 miles per hour. Additionally, the New Shepard rocket successfully continued to space and returned for its fifth vertical landing. Both the rocket and crew capsule will now be retired from future service.

VPT congratulates Blue Origin and applauds its safety test methods. With VPT parts on board, we are proud to be part of Blue Origin’s historical missions. More information can be viewed on Blue Origin’s website.

VPT On Board First U.S. Asteroid Sampling Mission

Credit: ESA

September 9, 2016 – NASA’s first asteroid sampling mission launched successfully last night from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which was launched aboard the ULA’s Atlas V, is traveling to near-Earth Asteroid Bennu.

OSIRIS-REx is scheduled to reach the asteroid in 2018 to explore and eventually approach the asteroid to obtain a sample, which will be returned to Earth in 2023 for scientists to study. Asteroid Bennu is considered part of the early solar system and is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid. The study of the asteroid’s material will allow researchers to better understand the asteroid orbiting patterns as well as gain further understanding of the origins of life in the solar system.

VPT is extremely proud to have parts onboard this critical mission and congratulates NASA on the mission’s success to date. A mission overview video can be viewed via this link.

VPT On Board ExoMars

Photo Credit: Blue Origin

March 23, 2016 – The European Space Agency (ESA) has developed an advanced program for Mars exploration called ExoMars, which involves two separate launches with orbiting and landing devices designed to gather evidence of signature gases of possible biological or geologic significance.In collaboration with Roscosmos, the first of the two missions recently launched and the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) has sent signals to ESA’s control center signifying the successful launch and operation of the system.

After a seven month flight to Mars, the descent and landing demonstrator module of ExoMars TGO (Schiaparelli) is expected to separate and enter Martian atmosphere to land on the surface of the planet During this time, the TGO unit will begin a path to orbiting the planet at approximately 248 miles (400 kilometers) altitude and will function as a scientific data collection, communications and mapping system.

The second launch of the ExoMars program is scheduled to launch in 2018. This portion of the program involves a rover which will collect bore samples and analyze the material within its internal laboratory. The scientific duration of the ExoMars mission is expected to run for five years.

As a provider of power supplies for the ExoMars TGO, landing module and rover, VPT is honored to be involved in this important and unprecedented mission. For further information, please see the ESA’s ExoMars mission overview.

Blue Origin’s New Shepard Proves Reusability

Photo Credit: SpaceX

January 29, 2016 – Last week, Blue Origin demonstrated the reusability of its New Shepard rocket with a second controlled vertical landing after reaching the height of 335,582 feet (101.7 kilometers). The same rocket was used in the world’s first rocket launch and vertical landing just two months ago. Both the unmanned crew capsule and rocket returned safely and according to plan.

To achieve this type of repeated success, every element must work reliably and precisely. VPT is proud to have parts on board and share in this part of aerospace history. For more information, please see Blue Origin’s highlight video.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Sticks Vertical Landing

Photo Credit: SpaceX

December 22, 2015 – SpaceX made history last night with its first orbital class booster landing successfully on target after takeoff from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The second stage of the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket continued on to launch 11 communications satellites into orbit.

This is the first launch vehicle to reach orbit and successfully land. Together with Blue Origin’s recent launch vehicle landing, this achievement signifies major advancements for reusable rockets and the space industry as a whole. VPT congratulates SpaceX and is proud to have parts on board the Falcon 9.

Cygnus Successfully Docks at ISS for Resupply Mission

Photo Credit: NASA

December 10, 2015 - Orbital ATK announced yesterday that its Cygnus CRS-4 spacecraft, which was launched via a United Launch Alliance Atlas V vehicle in Cape Canaveral on Sunday, December 6th, has reached the International Space Station and made a successful docking. The enhanced Cygnus unmanned resupply vessel carries more than 7,000 pounds of materials including crew supplies, a Microsoft HoloLens, and scientific lab equipment that will support various experiments on life sciences and the behavior of gases and liquids in weightlessness.

NASA astronaut, Kjell Lindgren operated the station’s robotic arm to dock Cyngus where it will remain connected to the station through most of January as astronauts unpack new supplies. The vessel will then be loaded with 3,000 pounds of unused and unneeded equipment and will disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere after release from the International Space Station. VPT is proud to have parts aboard both the Cygnus spacecraft and Atlas V launch vehicle. More information can be found on NASA’s website.

Blue Origin’s New Shepard Makes Historic Landing

Photo Credit: Blue Origin

November 23, 2015 – Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket completed an unprecedented trip to space for the first time on Monday – launching to a height of 329,839 feet and reaching a maximum velocity of Mach 3.72 – before making a successful return to earth completely intact. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, rightly calls Blue Shepard a “game changer” since this is the first fully-reusable rocket that has gone into (and returned from) space. Since rockets have historically been disposed of after launching space craft, this is a major step in Blue Origin’s mission is to make space travel more affordable, efficient, and reliable.

Bezos also stated, “We are building Blue Origin to seed an enduring human presence in space, to help us move beyond this blue planet that is the origin of all we know.” VPT is proud to have parts on board the New Shepard and congratulates the Blue Origin team on this amazing accomplishment.

NASA’s New Horizons

Photo Credit: NASA

July 14, 2015 – NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft has reached its closest point to Pluto after traveling more than 3.6 billion miles for over nine years. While becoming the first spacecraft to fly by Pluto’s surface, New Horizons took the first high-resolution photos of the planet while it traveled within 7,800 miles at approximately 31,000 miles per hour.

In addition to taking approximately 150 photos, several instruments aboard the spacecraft are taking spectroscopic measurements that can tell scientists more about the atmospheric structure, composition, temperature and surface geology of the dwarf planet.

VPT is proud to have power products aboard New Horizons and be part of the technical achievement it represents. As the first mission to reach Pluto before it heads deeper into the Kuiper Belt, New Horizons helps humankind to better understand not only the dwarf planet but the outer reaches of our solar system.

X-37B Space Plane

Artist Rendition X-37B space plane. Photo Credit: Space.com

May 22, 2015 – This week, the United States Air Force successfully launched its X-37B unmanned reusable space plane, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) from the Space Launch Complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The space plane was packed upright inside the payload of an Orbital Atlas V Rocket. The X-37B is a robotic spacecraft built for long-duration missions in orbit and carries a solar array to generate power. Both the Atlas V Rocket and the X-37B utilize VPT’s high-reliability DC-DC converters and EMI filters, and we are proud to be a part of this successful mission. More information on the X-37B robotic space plane’s recent launch can be found on the United Launch Alliance website.

NASA’s Orion Spacecraft

Rendering Credit: NASA

December 8, 2014 – In a major advancement in deep space exploration, NASA’s Orion spacecraft recently completed its first unmanned test mission. VPT takes significant pride in being selected as a supplier of DC-DC converters and EMI filters for the spacecraft, which is intended to eventually send humans to deep space destinations such as Mars.

In this highly successful mission, Orion traveled farther than any spacecraft designed for astronauts has been in over 40 years. The spacecraft orbited the Earth twice and reached an altitude of 3,600 miles above Earth. At speeds of 20,000 miles per hour and temperatures of near 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the flight tested systems most critical to safety for future crewed missions.

India’s Mars Orbiter Mission

Photo Credit: Indian Space Research Organization

India’s Mars Orbiter, the Mangalyaan, has captured an amazing pole-to-pole photo of Mars from 46,292 miles (74,500 kilometers) above the planet. The Mars Color Camera that provided this imagery is powered with VPT DC-DC converters. Launched in November, 2013, The Mangalyaan/Mars Orbiter Mission reached Mars orbit on September 24, 2014. Photographic and other equipment on board will assist in studying the Red Planet.

International Space Station Cargo Resupply Mission

Photo Credit: Space.com

September 24, 2014 – Yesterday the SpaceX Dragon cargo ship, launched by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, successfully connected with the International Space Station with over two tons of supplies and equipment for experiments for NASA. Although this is the fourth International Space Station cargo resupply mission by SpaceX, this particular cargo load carried unique items including live mice and the first made-for-space 3-D printer. The observation of the mice will be instrumental in determining the effects of space on bone density, musculature, and other anatomical systems. The 3-D printer may be used to create repair parts or tools that would otherwise need to be supplied from Earth. With VPT parts on board both the Falcon 9 and the Dragon capsule, we congratulate SpaceX on another successful mission. More detailed information as well as a video showing the connection of the Dragon cargo ship can be seen via Space.com.

WorldView-3 Satellite

Photo Credit: DigitalGlobe

September 5, 2014 – What is becoming known as the world’s sharpest commercial Earth-imaging satellite, WorldView-3 by DigitalGlobe, has already illustrated the significance of its shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensor that enables high resolution imagery even through dense smoke or clouds. Utilizing the SWIR sensor, images from the satellite recently provided critical information about the extent and severity of a forest fire in California.

In addition to infrared data and the ability to detect specific mineral content and species of vegetation, the imaging technology of WorldView-3 provides images at a 30-centimeter resolution. As a result, the energy sector, conservationists, and governments may be provided with information to better manage the Earth’s natural resources. VPT is proud to have components on board. Please see DigitalGlobe’s blog for more information.

Atlas V Launches DMSP-19

April 3, 2014 – The United Launch Alliance today successfully completed its mission to launch the U.S. Air Force’s Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)-19 into orbit via the Atlas V 401. Launching from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the DMSP is a satellite system to collect and disseminate environmental data to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. This is the 80th mission for the ULA since it was founded in 2006, and VPT is proud to be on board.

NASA Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD)

Photo Credit: NASA

January 9, 2014 – NASA recently completed its 30-day Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) on board the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft. The communication demonstration program, utilizing VPT products, successfully transmit data using a pulsed laser beam 400,000 km between Earth and the moon at an unprecedented rate of 622 megabits per second (Mbps). The program also demonstrated the viability of laser as a communications method for future NASA missions, including the ability to transmit high definition video. The link to the video featuring NASA Administrator Charles Bolden which was sent via laser to the moon and back to Earth can be viewed here. Additionally, more information on this program can be found via NASA’s website.

SpaceX Completes First GEO Transfer Mission

Photo Credit: SpaceX

December 4, 2013 – Last night SpaceX completed a successful launch of its Falcon9 and transfer of Orbital Science’s SES8 Satellite into geostationary orbit. VPT helped power this event, which marks the first time SpaceX has reached a distance of nearly 50,000 miles (80,000km) above the earth. The successful launch and transfer mission also helps SpaceX continue its certification process for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program (EELV) to be eligible for all National Security Space (NSS) missions. The SES8 telecommunications satellite, which weighs approximately 7,000 pounds (3,175kg), will provide signals to television and broadband customers of SES in Asia. More information can be found via SpaceX.

Successful Docking of the Cygnus Cargo Ship

Photo Credit: NASA

Sept 30 – 2013, VPT congratulates Orbital Sciences Corporation with the successful docking of its Cygnus cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS) yesterday. VPT proudly powers systems on the Cygnus as well as its Antares launch rocket. The unmanned Cygnus was launched to orbit on its inaugural flight on September 18th, carrying approximately 1,300 pounds (589 kilograms) of cargo, including everyday essentials, science experiments, gear, and spare parts to the International Space Station’s Expedition 37 crew. The rendezvous represents a critical milestone in space development as the second commercially developed resupply ship to successfully connect with the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. More information can be found by visiting NASA or Orbital Sciences Corporation online.

U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System Success

AFP Photo/US Missile Defense Agency

VPT’s DC-DC converters and EMI filters were in place during a recent Flight Test Operational carried out by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency utilizing Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. The test stressed the ability of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and THAAD weapon systems to function in a layered defense architecture. The missile defense flight test successfully intercepted two near-simultaneous ballistic missile targets. View additional information via the U.S. Department of Defense.

EURO HAWK UAS

Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman

The EURO HAWK unmanned aircraft system (UAS) set a flight endurance record while utilizing VPT’s high efficiency DC-DC converters and EMI Filters. The EURO HAWK UAS flew non-stop for 25.3 hours in European airspace and reached 58,600 feet over Manching Air Base in Germany. The flight represented the longest duration flown in European skies by an un-refuelled UAS in the more than 30,000-pound class.

Sapphire Satellite Mission

VPT powers vital systems on the Canadian Department of Defense’s Sapphire mission, a satellite-based Resident Space Object (RSO) observing service, which is a key element of the Canadian Space Surveillance System. The Sapphire satellite is an electro-optical sensor that provides tracking data on deep space orbiting objects. Data from the satellite will contribute to the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, enhancing the ability of both the U.S. and Canada to detect and avoid the collision of critical space platforms with other satellites or pieces of debris.

Antares Launch Vehicle

VPT proudly powers several systems on the exciting new private launch rocket, Orbital Science’s Antares. Orbital Sciences holds a $1.9 billion NASA contract to make eight unmanned supply runs to the International Space Station with its Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo ferry. View the program details in this quick infographic from Space.com: http://www.space.com/20526-antares-rocket-cygnus-spacecraft-explained.html.

Atlas V Expendable Launch Vehicle

VPT is utilized in critical flight systems on the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle. Run by the United Launch Alliance of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the Atlas V has logged nearly 600 launches to date with 100% mission success.

SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon Capsule

VPT was on board when Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon spacecraft bound for the International Space Station (ISS). After orbiting, the Dragon capsule successfully attached to the ISS to deliver food and supplies to the astronauts stationed there. Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) made history when its Dragon spacecraft became the first commercial vehicle in history to successfully attach to the International Space Station. Previously only four governments — the United States, Russia, Japan and the European Space Agency had achieved this challenging technical feat.VPT is proud to be a part of the excitement, powering a variety of environmental, antenna, and safety controls on board both the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon space capsule.

Predator

VPT is powering vital systems on General Atomics’ Predator series of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including communications systems, radar systems, various sensors, and central monitoring systems. These aircraft have logged over 1,000,000 flight hours worldwide, with 40 in the air at any given second of any day.

Husky Mounted Mine Detection System

VPT is helping to save lives and field equipment by powering the Husky Mounted Mine Detection System (HDMS). This innovative detection system functions on manned, blast-resistant Husky vehicles to provide rapid ability to scope out anti-vehicular landmines and other explosive hazards on main supply routes (MSRs) and additional open areas as needed.

F-35 Lightning II

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program, formerly the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) Program, is the Department of Defense’s focal point for defining affordable next generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The focus of the program is affordability — reducing the development cost, production cost, and cost of ownership of the JSF family of aircraft. VPT is powering a variety of systems aboard this new aircraft.

Bell Helicopter

VPT helps keep Bell Helicopter in the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by powering critical data systems. The Bell Helicopter 429 is one of the most advanced light twin IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) helicopters ever developed. Delivering exceptional speed, range, hover performance, and enhanced safety margins, it serves the full spectrum of segments including air medical, law enforcement, oil & gas, utility, corporate, etc.

Boeing 787

VPT is flying high with Boeing these days powering numerous systems on the new 787 Dreamliner.

EADS Airbus CN-295

VPT is now powering systems on the Airbus Military C295, a new generation, very robust and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter able to carry up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt /480 km/h. Fitted with a retractable landing gear and a pressurized cabin, it can cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 ft, while retaining remarkable short take-off & landing (STOL) performance from unprepared short, soft and rough airstrips.

Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS)

VPT helped NASA open a new chapter in our understanding of the moon. Preliminary data from the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, indicates that the mission successfully uncovered water during the Oct. 9, 2009 impacts into the permanently shadowed region of Cabeus crater near the Moon’s south pole. LCROSS traveled to the Moon as a co-manifested payload aboard the launch vehicle for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). LRO is designed to map the lunar surface and characterize landing sites for future missions.Keep up with LCROSS and LRO with NASA.

Dassault Falcon 7X Business Jet

With VPT on board since its launch, the aircraft has carried over 2,100 passengers and made 543 stops in 73 countries. The Falcon 7X has the longest range of any Falcon business jet. Special attention was given to enhancing its cabin comfort for flights lasting up to 13 hours. Since its entry into service, the 7X cabin has set a new standard for business jets.

Light Weight Mine Roller

Incorporating VPT components, the Light Weight Mine Roller is used to detonate and neutralise buried pressure-fused mines and other explosive devices. It is designed for light and medium wheeled and tracked vehicles. Currently deployed, the Light Weight Mine Roller (www.pearson-eng.com) is saving lives worldwide as it searches for mines in front of land vehicles.

Kawasaki XP-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

VPT is powering Japan’s new XP-1 aircraft, the next generation of the former P-3C Orion plane. As the successor to the P-3C, the XP-1 is used for prolonged, extensive patrols in the sea areas surrounding Japan.

GPS IIR-M

The U.S. Air Force successfully launched the last in the series of eight modernized GPS (IIR-M) satellites. Using the Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, the satellite was carried into space aboard the last of the Air Force’s United Launch Alliance Delta II rockets. GPS IIR-21(M) will join the constellation of 30 operational satellites on-orbit, assuming a position in plane E, slot 3 and replacing space vehicle number 40 (SVN40). The Air Force expects to set the satellite for navigation users worldwide.

Pluto New Horizons

In 2006, NASA dispatched an ambassador to the planetary frontier. The New Horizons spacecraft is now halfway between Earth and Pluto, on approach for a dramatic flight past the icy planet and its moons in July 2015. VPT is powering the Cosmic Dust Experiment (CDE) on this mission. It is performing well as it collects data on cosmic dust in the solar system on the way to Pluto. After 10 years and more than 3 billion miles, on a historic voyage that has already taken it over the storms and around the moons of Jupiter, New Horizons will shed light on new kinds of worlds we’ve only just discovered on the outskirts of the solar system.Check in on the current status of New Horizons.

ESA Venus Express

Currently orbiting Venus, this mission’s science objectives are to study the atmosphere, the plasma environment, and the surface of Venus in great detail. It has been successfully operating in orbit around Venus since April 2006. Recently, this spacecraft was busy taking measurements during the transit of Venus across the Sun. According to the Venus Express blog, the spacecraft orbiting Venus is measuring sunlight as it filters through Venus atmosphere, revealing the concentration of different gas molecules at different altitudes. Simultaneous ground-based measurements will be compared with Venus Express data to test techniques use to characterize rocky Earth-size planets. See what’s going on with Venus Express today.

Mercury Messenger

NASA’s MESSENGER mission team and cartographic experts from the U.S. Geological Survey have created a critical tool for planning the first orbital observations of the planet Mercury a global mosaic of the planet that will help scientists pinpoint craters, faults, and other features for observation. The MESSENGER team is currently in the orbital phase of the mission, and the near-global mosaic of Mercury from MESSENGER and Mariner 10 images is key to those plans. See what’s new with MESSENGER.